Toni Kroos draws comparison to 257-appearance Manchester City star ahead of crunch Euro quarter-final clash

Manchester City star Rodri has been lauded by Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos.

The 34-year-old is preparing to retire from professional football following the conclusion of Germany’s European Championship campaign, with Julian Nagelsmann’s side facing a quarter-final clash against Spain at the Stuttgart Arena on Friday evening.

The two European heavyweights will clash in the last-eight of the tournament, with France or Portugal awaiting the winners in Tuesday’s semi-final, which will take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

Germany’s midfield is expected to include senior pair Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan, meanwhile Manchester City’s Rodri will likely play another crucial role for Spain, with the 28-year-old having scored during their last-16 win over Georgia.

The Spaniard made 50 starts for the Sky Blues during the recent 2023/24 campaign, and revealed concerns of fatigue and burnout after helping Manchester City to a record-breaking fourth successive Premier League title.

The midfielder has made 257 Manchester City appearances since arriving at the Etihad Stadium from Atletico Madrid in 2019, and has won 11 trophies including the UEFA Champions League.

The Manchester City star has been praised by Kroos ahead of Friday’s Euro quarter-final, with the outgoing German legend saying: “Me and Rodri? Rodri is one of the most decisive players for Spain and City.

“He doesn’t get nervous, he never seems to be under pressure. He has scored important goals. He is a top player for Guardiola. I think he is more of a pivot and I am more of a number 8.”

Etihad executives are set to open Manchester City contract extension talks with midfielder Rodri following the conclusion of the European Championship, and are planning to offer the Spain international a new long-term deal until 2029.

The contract would additionally see Rodri become one of the highest earner’s at Manchester City, with wages similar to the sum earned by both Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland.